HHS proposes major changes to SUD treatment record-sharing

The Department of Health and Human Services today issued a notice of public rulemaking to improve the exchange of patient records used in the treatment of substance use disorder. HHS proposes provisions to implement section 3221 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to ensure providers have more complete and timely information when treating patients with SUD, including updating patient consent requirements and aligning disclosure requirements with those under HIPAA regulations.  AHA is among a host of organizations who have pushed for such changes, including one which would enable providers to get a patient’s consent just once to share substance use records for treatment and health care operations. HHS will accept comments for the next 60 days.